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Category: Featured

Dartmoor Zoo has welcomed a new binturong to the DZS family. Not yet named, he’s happy, healthy, and settling into his new home nicely. The binturong was transported to Dartmoor Zoo on Wednesday 5th July from ‘Get to know animals’ at Epping, Essex, London.

Dartmoor Zoo’s Curator Scott commented:

“Binturongs also known as the Bearcat, Malay Civet Cat and are members of Viverridae, they are most closely related to Civets, Genets, and Fossa.

Predominantly found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Philipines, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and some areas of China, the IUCN classifies them as Vulnerable due to the illegal pet trade, deforestation, poaching for furs and being captured to make civet coffee.  Unfortunately, binturongs are also captured and eaten in Laos as it is considered a delicacy.

Our binturong is a Palawan binturong from the island of Palawan in the Philippines and is a very unique subspecies that has been isolated for a while. They are smaller and more nocturnal than other subspecies and much rarer in captivity. There is a huge illegal wildlife trade problem in Palawan where many animals including binturongs are taken from the wild and then sold. Unfortunately, the punishments for this are negligent and do not deter the offenders from repeating the offense.

Our binturong was imported from Asia legally by an unknown source but most likely was taken from the wild due to the issues on Palawan, before leaving the private individual and finding a home at ‘Get to know animals’ where they gave him amazing treatment and helped settle him in and bring him out of his shell.”

Our binturong is a magnificent animal, a symbol of the diversity and beauty of our natural world. But this incredible animal has suffered greatly at the hands of those who did not understand the importance of protecting and respecting all living beings. For far too long, he endured neglect and abuse, living a life of fear and pain.

Here at Dartmoor Zoo, we are incredibly honoured to be able to give him this new lease of life and feel he deserves a new name to reflect this and that’s where you come in!

The keepers have shortlisted five names and with a minimum £1 donation you can pick your favourite. The name with the most votes will be announced on Facebook, with the bonus of one lucky donor who will win a family pass to Dartmoor Zoo, where they can see the binturong in person! The five names are:

  1. Mee-Noi which means little bear in Thai
  2. Malu which means shy in Indonesian
  3. Bao which means treasure in Vietnamese
  4. Mahina which means vulnerable in Filipino
  5. Irawan which is a river in Palawan

To pick your winner and give our binturong a new name for his new life, you can make your charitable donation here.

Join us for our very first ‘Coffee and Conversation’ event. A brand new networking breakfast series we’re launching here at Dartmoor Zoo!

On Tuesday 17th October our topic is ‘Marketing and fundraising’ and we’re welcoming THREE amazing guest speakers to discuss ways in which charities and companies alike have been impacted in the cost-of-living crisis and how we can brainstorm, think outside the box, and come up with new and exciting ways of marketing and fundraising!

We’re being joined by Toby Gorniak MBE, the CEO of Street Factory, Paul Courtney the Director of Fundraising for Children’s Hospice South West, and Phillipa Revest the Head of Marketing and Communications for The Ocean Conservation Trust, all with a huge wealth of knowledge in their respective fields.

Tickets to this event are £10 inclusive of entry to zoo, buffet breakfast and refreshments.

We recommend booking in advance as tickets are limited.

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Following on from the huge success last year, this Valentine’s Day you can once again name a cockroach in honour of that un-special (or special) someone in your life!

For a £5 donation to Dartmoor Zoo, name one of our cockroaches after someone who’s been ‘bugging’ you and receive a customisable certificate featuring your chosen name to show your support.

If you have bitterness in your heart or unresolved anger towards an ex, a boss, or whoever has been a thorn in your side, this is the perfect opportunity to channel those feelings and get rid of any negative energy!

All proceeds will help our charity continue the amazing care we provide to our animals, whilst supporting our vital conservation efforts.

Name a cockroach here

Treat someone you love to a Zoo day this Valentines!

Simply use code DZSVAL50 to get 50% off admission on adult tickets, valid from 11th – 14th February.

This code cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

We’re offering free entry to Dartmoor Zoo for children during the teacher strikes on Thursday 2nd March!

Join us and learn about our amazing animals, listen to educational talks and enjoy a fun family day out!

Limited tickets are available so don’t miss out.

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T&CS:

  • Children must be supervised at all times by an accompanying adult
  • Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance

Dartmoor Zoo’s brand-new refurbished conference facility ‘The Jaguar Suite’ is open for business! To launch and promote our new facility we are offering clients new and old a FREE HALF DAY conference venue hire. To secure this unique and beautiful venue for free, all you need to do is purchase a catering package! (T&Cs below)

Catering packages

  • Tea / Coffee & Cakes @ £5.00ph
  • Tea / Coffee & Breakfast – Choice of Hot Bacon or Sausage Baps or Continental, Pastries, Muesli, Fruit, Yogurt @ £7.00ph
  • Tea / Coffee & Sandwich Platters & Crisps ‘Light Lunch’ @ £7.00ph
  • Tea / Coffee & Hot Buffet Lunch @ £9.50ph

 

T&Cs

  • Offer open Tuesday – Thursday ONLY from 3rd January until 9th February
  • Minimum group booking 12 people
  • Suggested* half day hire times are 8.30am – 12.30pm or 1pm – 5pm (*Timings can be negotiated when booking through events team, dependant on availability)
  • If you wish to extend your visit, the second half of the day can be booked at a discounted rate. Discounted venue hire pricing starts at £75.00 dependant on group size
  • Additional catering and animal experiences available – enquire for more details
  • Finish or start your conference with a guided Zoo tour for the whole group for only £60.00 (up to 30 people per tour, groups over 30 will need to book 2 or more tours)

 

Facilities include: Projector & White Wall, 70-inch SMART Screen, Bluetooth connective amp & surround speakers, LED lighting (various colours), Tables & Chairs

Conference set up suitable for: 100 x Theatre / 40 x Cabaret / 30 x Boardroom (advised not max)

  • Additional conference amenities including, flip chart, paper, pens, notepads etc. available on request when pre booking, and will incur a charge.

Email events@dartmoorzoo.co.uk

Looking for a way to make a difference in 2023? Why not try some of our Zoo Year’s Resolutions!

#1 Give 3 for 2023
For just £3 a month, you can contribute to the feed, welfare, and enrichment of our incredible animals here at Dartmoor Zoo. Set up your donations: Here

#2 Sign up to Amazon Smile
Every time you shop on Amazon, you can donate to us for FREE. All you need to do is enable Amazon Smile in your app and select us as your chosen charity, or use the smile link: Here

#3 Easy Fundraising
Similarly to Amazon Smile, every time you shop certain places will donate to us for FREE. Download the Easy Fundraising app, shop and raise – it’s really that simple! Find out more: Here

#4 Volunteer
Looking to share some of your time? We are always looking for volunteers to help out across our site and with our amazing animals. If you are interested, why not check out what volunteer options we have available: Here

#5 Save an animal from extinction
By adopting one of our magnificent animals, you can help towards our conservation efforts to literally save them from extinction. Adopt an animal today: Here

This summer, experience your favourite children’s book brought to life at Dartmoor Zoo!

Celebrating 40 years since the publication of author Rod Campbell’s classic storybook, Dartmoor Zoo is partnering with Macmillan Children’s Books to host the perfect Dear Zoo experience!

The much-loved tale of a child who writes to the zoo to ask for the perfect pet has delighted readers for four decades, Dear Zoo has sold over 13 million copies in the UK and around the world.

At Dartmoor Zoo, children of all ages are invited to celebrate the story and explore which animal is too tall, too big, or too grumpy to join the family.

From 23rd July to 4th September, become immersed in this children’s book as you journey around the zoo. Interact with a giant storybook, listen to the story being told, have fun with your special activity book and of course say hello to some of the animals from the story in real life!

The Dear Zoo experience is included in your Zoo ticket at no extra cost with the option of purchasing a standard (£2.50) and limited edition (£5.00) activity pack when purchasing tickets online or at the gate on arrival.

PRE-BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW

This Father’s Day (Sunday 19th June), we’re offering dads FREE admission to Dartmoor Zoo!

If you’re looking for a memorable day out, bring your troop along for some fun and fresh air, explore our 33-acre site and learn more about our incredible fathers.

To receive free admission into the Zoo on Sunday 19th June, dads must be accompanied by a full paying adult or child.

Limited tickets are available so book in advance to avoid disappointment!

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It just wouldn’t be Easter without an egg hunt with a ‘wild’ twist like only the Zoo can do!

Can you find the eggs of all our different bird species?

Join us from Saturday 9th – Sunday 24th April for an egg-citing Easter trail around the Zoo featuring our amazing animals, listen to our new animal talks and learn all about our brilliant birds.

This trail is included as part of your general Zoo admission ticket with the option of purchasing a £2 trail pack on arrival, which includes:

  • A trail sheet
  • DZS pencil
  • 30g mini eggs
  • A fluffy chick
  • DZS bird sticker

Tickets are on sale now, so bring your little monkeys and enjoy acres of ‘egg’tastic themed fun!

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Brighten up the grey of winter by visiting Dartmoor Zoo this February half term (Saturday 19th – Sunday 27th February) and discover a wild world of colour!

Join us and follow the trail around the Zoo to complete your colour by numbers picture and along the way, discover the importance of the crazy colours of the animal kingdom.

** This trail is included as part of your general Zoo admission ticket with the option of purchasing colouring pencils at the gate on arrival

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Custard Storm Productions will also be joining us on Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd February to host two performances and entertaining workshops each day (morning and afternoon session), all included as part of your general admission ticket!

Whether you’re an avid juggler or first time novice, a team of highly trained circus artists will be on hand to make sure you have an amazing time and learn some incredible new skills.

To ensure the performances and workshops don’t become overcrowded, please ensure that you book your place in addition to your general admission ticket to the Zoo.

*** Please note that the workshops are suitable for children aged 3+ and can be booked as an add-on when purchasing admission tickets for Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd February.

BOOK NOW

This Valentine’s Day, name a cockroach in honour of that un-special (or special) someone in your life!

For a £5 donation to Dartmoor Zoo, name one of our cockroaches after someone who’s been ‘bugging’ you and receive a customisable certificate featuring your chosen name to show your support.

If you have bitterness in your heart or unresolved anger towards an ex, a boss, or whoever has been a thorn in your side, this is the perfect opportunity to channel those feelings and get rid of any negative energy!

All proceeds will help our charity continue the amazing care we provide to our animals, whilst supporting our vital conservation efforts.

Everyone’s favourite furry family has grown! Give a warm welcome to our new capybara babies!

The five babies (four boys and one girl) were born on the 4th November and are settling in well and gaining confidence every day.

Our amazing keeper team have created a nursery for the family, which has a small paddling pool to help the babies get used to the water and a heated house.

Hoodoo, aged five, is a fantastic mum and continues to look after her young very well.

You can spot our adorable new arrivals in our South American paddock.

Tickets

Oscar winning Hollywood Director Cameron Crowe announced as first patron of Dartmoor Zoological Society

The Hollywood Director behind blockbuster films We Bought a Zoo, Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous, has become the first patron of the Dartmoor Zoological Society charity.

Cameron Crowe, the Director behind We Bought a Zoo which is based on zoo founder Benjamin Mee’s book of the same name, has pledged to support the charity with the use of his name, after taking a key interest in the zoo’s conservation work.

Cameron’s patronage will help the Dartmoor Zoological Society charity continue its vital work. Its mission is to provide a future where no animal species faces extinction, by educating, informing, inspiring and empowering people to be more connected with the natural world and take greater responsibility for their impact.

Born and bred in California, Cameron started his career as a journalist, acting as a Contributing Editor at Rolling Stone magazine before moving into the film industry. His first big hit was Jerry Maguire (1996) starring Tom Cruise which he wrote and directed. This was followed by Almost Famous (2000) which he won an Academy Award for in 2001 for his screenplay.

Cameron Crowe commented: “I’ve always been a fan of the incredible work the team does at Dartmoor Zoo. Since I adapted Benjamin Mee’s book for the screenplay and directed We Bought a Zoo, I’ve kept an eye on what they are doing. I love how, as well as doing conservation work with endangered animals, they also help vulnerable people too. Ground-breaking stuff with war veterans and kids excluded from mainstream education, connecting them with nature, real nature with lions and tigers in it and it seems to work! It really is inspiring and that’s why I’m proud to support the great charity which is Dartmoor Zoological Society.”

After establishing Dartmoor Zoo in 2007, the Mee family donated the zoo to the Dartmoor Zoological Society in 2014. As a registered charity, the Society is now proud to have Cameron Crowe as its first patron, in addition to over 500 members.

Coral Jonas, deputy CEO at Dartmoor Zoo, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Cameron as a patron of Dartmoor Zoological Society. After taking a keen interest in the work we do here whilst directing We Bought a Zoo back in 2011, Cameron was keen to know how he could continue supporting the zoo. By becoming a patron of the charity, not only will he raise awareness of the vital conservation work we do here in Devon, he will also help to ensure we can continue protecting endangered animal species and raise awareness of how we can all do more to protect the world in which we live.”

As a charity, we’re now facing part of Easter, typically one of our busiest times of year, without any visitors. We’re incredibly thankful to you all, but it is critical that we ask for your help and support to secure our future.

Please consider making a regular monthly or a one-off donation today – http://bit.ly/DZSAppeal

Anyone can become a member of Dartmoor Zoological Society. In addition to showing support for our zoo, members obtain free admission for a year and can benefit from a range of exclusive discounts. For more information, please email zoobase@dartmoorzoo.co.uk.

We are delighted to announce that we will be officially opening our brand new Reptile and Bug House this Saturday 25 July.

After months of hard work, the new room provides far more space as well as upgraded animal enclosures.

Opening from 11am – 3pm for guests to enjoy at their own leisure, the room offers easier access and allows us to create a one-way system to ensure that it meets current guidelines and offers a safe space to visit.

Justin Aird, Senior LVI Keeper, said: “We are incredibly excited to finally be opening our brand new Reptile and Bug House. We have been wanting to progress with this project for many years and thanks to the hard work and dedication of the team, including Mitch Walker and Josh Middleton, and the generosity of local businesses and supporters, we have now been able to complete this development.

“I would like to say a special thank you to Endsleigh Garden Centre for generously donating four brand new large enclosures for our reptiles. This allowed us to use our imaginations and create naturalistic, enriching and environmentally stimulating enclosures for both our animals and guests to enjoy.

“I would also like to thank Ben Faulconbridge for the continued support and fundraising for the department as well as Sara Middleton, Ross Lamerton and John Lamerton for the amazing artwork on the side of the building. We have also been very fortunate to have received multiple donations from our Amazon Wishlist allowing us to complete the finishing touches.

“We can’t wait to show our guests the brand new room and hope they will be as impressed with it as we are.” 

Our indoor exhibition will be home to a number of exciting species including reptiles, amphibians and insects and some brand new arrivals here at Dartmoor Zoo. Located next to the wolves, this exhibition highlights the importance and diversity of these animals and the important role they play in our natural world.

The safety of our guests and staff is paramount to us, therefore we kindly ask all guests to wear face masks from Friday 24th July when visiting our Reptile and Bug House, shop, restaurant and inside our toilets.

 

Dartmoor Zoo will open its gates to the general public on Wednesday 8th July for the first time since its closure three months ago.

As a small way of saying thank you, Dartmoor Zoo will be offering NHS frontline workers plus one other, free entry on Sunday 5th July, the first of a number of thank you days that will be hosted at the zoo this year. Members of the zoo will then also be able to visit ahead of the official opening date on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th to thank them for the fantastic support shown throughout lockdown.

Working within the latest government guidelines, Dartmoor Zoo has implemented a series of safety measures to enable them to re-open and raise vital funds, whilst keeping visitors safe. Social distancing rules are applied throughout the zoo – visitors must maintain two metres distance apart at all times. A one-way system has been planned throughout the zoo to make this easier, additional handwashing facilities and sanitiser stations have been placed across the zoo and tickets must be purchased online prior to visiting.

Dartmoor Zoo’s popular keeper talks are now available virtually via a QR code outside each animal’s enclosure. Visitors will be able to use the restaurant as a takeaway service, with outside seating areas being arranged to meet social distance guidelines. The zoo will also allow a maximum of 200 people on site, and will stagger arrival times.

Coral Jonas, Deputy CEO at Dartmoor Zoo, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Dartmoor Zoo. We know that people have missed us, and we’ve certainly missed them! We’ve carefully considered how to make the zoo a safe place to visit and have made some changes around the park to allow for social distancing. We will continue to do everything we can to make visits with us as relaxing and as special as they have always been.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity from the public with our emergency fundraising scheme. As a zoo, we need a minimum of £11,500 a week for maintenance and to keep all our animals fed and healthy, so the sum of £53,249 and counting is amazing. As a charity we will continue to rely on this support, especially when our visitor numbers will be so limited on-site.”

During lockdown, Dartmoor Zoo has taken innovative steps to allow visitors to stay in touch and see their beloved animals, including a ‘#bringdartmoorzootoyou’ social media campaign, with keeper talks and footage from the enclosures. The zoo also set up an Amazon Wishlist, allowing people to buy items for the animals which they then shared footage of the animals enjoying on the zoo’s social media channels.

After facing uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dartmoor Zoo has lost hundreds of thousands of pounds in critical funds and depends on income from fundraising events and admissions from visitors, all of which were ceased due to lockdown. Despite being allowed to open, the zoo is only able to welcome a quarter of the visitors they would usually see through their doors due to the restrictions in place. To provide the best possible care to the animals, Dartmoor Zoo must still fundraise £11,500 a week and continues to rely on the generosity of the public.

Tickets for the NHS frontline workers will be available online next week. Further information about this event will be released on Dartmoor Zoo’s social media pages and website.

If you are a member wishing to visit on Monday 6th or Tuesday 7th July, please call 01752 837645 to book your tickets and time of arrival.

To purchase general admission tickets for Wednesday 8th July onwards, please click HERE.